Abstract: An asynchronous digital TDM multiplexer-demultiplexer combination at one communication terminal is capable of multiplexing N asynchronous input data signals having a random mixture of different bit rates into a transmitted synchronous data stream having a predetermined fixed data format and a given bit rate greater than the sum of the rates of the different rates and to demultiplex N asynchronous output data signals having the same random mixture of the different bit rates from a received synchronous data stream having the data format and the given bit rate, where N is an integer greater than 1.

Abstract: A common controller in the form of a programmed digital sequencer executes a series of instructions to control multiplexing-demultiplexing overhead channel format generation, frame synchronization stuff-destuff operation and automatic channel assignment in a digital TDM multiplexer-demultiplexer combination at one communication terminal to enable multiplexing N input data signals each having a predetermined bit rate into a transmitted synchronous data stream having a predetermined fixed data format and a given bit rate greater than the sum of the predetermined bit rates and to demultiplex N output data signals each having the predetermined bit rate from a received synchronous data stream having the data format and the given bit rate, where N is an integer greater than one.

Abstract: A fault locating arrangement for a two-way repeatered transmission link comprising a source in one of the terminals to transmit a unique signal in a first transmission direction from the one of the terminals to the other of the terminals through the repeaters, and a first unique signal detector, a second unique signal detector and logic circuitry disposed in at least the other of the terminals and each of the repeaters. The first unique signal detector is coupled to the first transmission direction, the second unique signal detector is coupled to the opposite transmission direction and the logic circuitry is coupled to the first and second unique signal detectors such that, when the unique signal traveling in the first transmission direction is detected, a loop connection is established for the unique signal from the first transmission direction to the opposite transmission direction and the unique signal is transmitted in the first transmission direction beyond an associated one of the repeaters.